Cyanoalkyl a-ring procursors

ABSTRACT

A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents lambda -butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an Aring precursor without resorting to protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

United States Patent Cohen et al.

[ Dec. 9, 1975 CYANOALKYL A-RING PROCURSORS Inventors: Noal Cohen, Montclair; Michael Rosenberger, Caldwell; Gabriel Saucy, Essex Fells, all of NJ.

Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley,

Filed: Mar. 13, 1974 App]. No.: 450,709

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 67,296, Aug. 26, 1970, Pat. No.

US. Cl. 260/3409; 260/3 38; 260/3407 Int. Cl. ..C07D 317/30; C07D 319/06; C07D 321/00; CO7D 321/04 Field of Search 260/3409, 338, 340.7

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1957 Barkley 260/3409 Primary Examiner-Richard L. Raymond Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Samuel L. Welt; Jon S. Saxe; Raymond R. Wittekind [57] ABSTRACT A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents )t-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly l9-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as'to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting to protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

5 Claims, No Drawings CYANOALKYL A-RING PROCURSORS This is a division of application Ser. No. 67,296, filed Aug. 26, 1970, now US. Pat. No. 3,813,417.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION preparation of racemic or optically active compounds j of the following formula:

wherein R is a primary alkyl group of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R is hydrogen, lower primary alkyl or acyl; Z is carbonyl or a group of the formula where R is hydrogen, lower acyl, lower alkyl, aryl lower alkyl or tetrahydropyran-2-yl; R is hydrogen or lower aliphatic hydrocarbyl; T is either a single or double bond, U is a single or double bond and is a single bond when T is a single bond; m is l or 2; n is O or 1 and is 0 when T is a double bond and is 1 when T is a single bond; r is O or 1 and is 0 when T is a double bond and 1 when T is a single bond; and S is O or 1 and is 0 when U is a double bond and 1 when U is a single bond.

As used throughout the specification and appended claims, the term hydrocarbyl group denotes a monovalent substituent consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen and having from 1 to carbon atoms; the term aliphatic with reference to hydrocarbyl groups, denotes groups containing no aromatic unsaturation, but which can be saturated or unsaturated, i.e., an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group; the term alkyl group denotes a saturated hydrocarbyl group with a straight or branched chain having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; the term alkenyl denotes a straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl group having at least one olefinic bond and containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; the term alkynyl group denotes a straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl group containing at least one acetylenic bond having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; the term primary alkyl group denotes an alkyl group having its valence from a carbon bonded to at least two hydrogens; the term acyl group denotes a group consisting of the residue of a hydrocarbyl monocarboxylic acid having 1 to 18 carbon atoms formed by removal of the hydroxyl portion of the carboxyl group; and the term lower, as applied to any of the foregoing groups, denotes a group having a carbon skeleton containing up to and including 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, butyl, tertiary butyl, hexyl, Z-ethylhexyl, vinyl butenyl, hexenyl, ethynyl, ethylene, methylene, formyl, acetyl, 2- phenylethyl, and the like.

In the formulae presented herein, the various substituents on cyclic compounds are joined to the cyclic nucleus by one of three notations, a solid line indicating a substituent which is in the B-orientation, (i.e., abovethe plane of thepaper), a dotted line indicating a substituent which is in the a-on'entation (below the plane of the paper) or a wavy line indicating a substituent which may be either the aor B- orientation. The'position of R has been arbitrarily indi cated as the B-orientation, although the products obtained in the examples are all racemic compounds unless otherwise specified.

Preferred compounds are those wherein R is n-alkyl, especially methyl and ethyl; m is 1 and, when s has a value of 1, the 9a-(when m is l) or lOa-(when m is 2) hydrogen is trans-oriented with respect to R Subgeneric to the tricyclic compounds of formula'l are the dienes havingthe formula:

NC-CH -CH -CH Ia where R m and Z are as above; The monoenes, represented by the formula NC-CH -CH -CHZ 1b where R m and'Z are as above; and The perhydro compounds represented by the formula:

-- pounds of formula la, utilizes 2,2-die-(3-cyanopropyl)- CHART FOR REACTION SCHEME I Reagents Solvent Conditions Step Operable Preferred Operable Preferred Operable Preferred Remarks A dilute aqueous mineral dilute aqueous a water miscible oracetone 20 to +50 l to 30 acid; e.g., hydrohydrochloric ganic solvent selected chloric acid; dilute acid from the group conaqueous organic acid, sisting of ketones.

e.g., acetic acid e.g., acetone; ethers, e.g.. tetrahydrofuran and organic acids, e. g., acetic acid B alkali metal borohysodium a non-kctonic organic aqueous to 10 to drides, e.g., sodium borohydride solvent selected from methanol boiling borohydride; alkoxy the group consisting point of substituted alkali of lower alkanols, solvent metal borohydrides, e. e.g., methanol; water g., trimcthoxysodium miscible ethers, e.g.. borohydride; alkoxy tetrahydrofuran; substituted complex pyridine and dimethylmetal hydride, e.g., formamide; or a mixlithium aluminum triture of water and one t-butoxy hydride. or more of the above.

C one equivalent each of one equivalent hydrocarbons, e.g. toluene 20 to 150 80 to 120 water and an acid of p-toluene toluene, ethers, e.g. selected from the group sulfonic acid tetrahydrofuran; consisting of mineral monohydrate dimethylformamide. acids, e.g. sulfuric or one acid, and organic equivalent sulfonic acids, e.g. each of water p-toluenesulfonic acid. and sulfuric acid.

D vinyl magnesium vinyl ethers, e.g. diethyl tetrahydro- 20 to l00 to Product V1 is halides, e.g. vinyl magnesium ether, tetrahydrofuran furan not isolated. magnesium chloride; chloride vinyl alkali metals,

e.g., vinyl'lithium E hydrohalic acids, e.g. for racemic where solubility tetrahydro- 0 to 50 10 to 30 hydrochloric acid; series pennits, the reagent furan lower alkanols, e.g. diethylamine; employed, e.g. methanol; water; mono for optically methanol; hydrolower hydrocarbyl active series carbons, e.g. benzene; amines, e.g. a-methyl dor 112- ethers, e.g. tetrabenzylamine; di( lower methylbenzylhydrofuran. hydrocarbyl)amines. amine. evg. diethylamine.

F Z-alkylcyclopentarr- 2-methylcyclohydrocarbons, e.g. toluene 20 to 150 to I20 An acidic or 1,3-diones; 2-alkylpentan-l,3- toluene; ethers, e.g. basic catalyst cyclohexan-l,3-diones. dione; 2- tetrahydrofuran; can be used ethylcyclodimethylformamide; preferably. a

pentan-l,3- dimethylsulfoxide. lower alkanoic dione acidegv acetic acidv G a non-optically active oxalic acid ketones e.g. acetone; acetone, -l0 to 20 to 80 acid selected from the lower alkanols, e.g. acetogroup consisting of methanol; ethers, e.g. nitrile mineral acids, e.g. diethyl ether; hydrohydrochloric acid; carbons, e.g. benzene; hydrocarbylmonocarboxnitriles, e.g. aceto ylic acids, e.g. acetic nitrile. acid, hydrocarbyl dicarboxylic acids,

e.g. oxalic acid.

H a. water; lower alkan- 21. methanol lower alkanols, e.g. methanol 20 to 120 40 to 60 a catalytic ols, e.g. methanol; methanol; hydrocarbons, amount of an b. lower hydrocarbyl b. benzaldee.g. toluene; ethers, inorganic base, or aromatic aldehydes, hyde e.g. tetrahydrofuran. preferably an e.g. benzaldehyde. alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate. e.g.

sodium bicarbonate may be employed. I 2-alkylcyclopentan- 2-methylcyclohydrocarbons, e.g. toluene 20 to 80 to l20 an acidic or pentanl ,3- dione; 2- ethylcyclopentanl ,3- dione.

toluene; ethers, e .g. tetrahydrofuran; dimethylformamide;

dimethylsulfoxide.

In Step A the known compound 2,2-di(3-cyanopr0pyl)-l ,3-dioxolane was selectively hydrolyzed utilizing dilute aqueous acid in the presence of a water-miscible organic solvent to yield 5-oxoazeleonitrile (III).

basic catalyst can be used,

a preferably a lower alkanoic acid, e.g. acetic acid.

sodium borohydride to produce S-hydroxyazeleonitrile (IV).

The symmetrical di-cyano alcohol produced above (IV) is then subjected to a selective acid hydrolysis pro.- cedure in Step C so as to produce 8-cyano-5-hydroxyoctanoic acid lactone. For this reaction it is necessary to employ one equivalent of water and one equivalent of strong acid, such as mineral acid or an organic sulfonic acid such as p-toluene sulfonic acid. By utillizing one equivalent each of these reagents, it is possible to selectively hydrolyze only one of the two equivalent cyano moieties in compound IV. I

It is likely that this reaction proceeds through the in termediate which is hydrolyzed by the water present to V.

In Step D the lactone of formula V is treated with a vinylating agent such as vinyl Grignard to produce a tautomeric mixture of 6-(3-cyanopropyl)-2-vinyl-tetrahydropyran-Z-ol (which is named as a matter of convenience as a closed form). This reaction is highly selective in that the reactive nitrile group is not affected by the vinylating agent under the carefully controlled reaction conditions.

Because of the susceptibility of the vinyl group of the compound of formula VI to polymerization, it is highly desirable to convert this compound without isolation to a more stable variant in Step E so as to produce a compound of formula VII. This is accomplished by treating the compound of formula VI with either water, an indicated hydrogen halide, a lower alkanol or a primary or secondary amine.

When itis desired to ultimately produce a racemic compound from this process scheme, it is possible to utilize any of the aforementioned reactants in process Step E, although a reactant of greatest preference is a di(lower hydrocarbyl)amine, preferably a di(lower alkyl)amine such as diethyl amine. In a final process step for the production of a racemic compound of formula la, the compound of formula VII is reacted in process Step F with a 2-alkyl-cyclopentan-l,3-dione or a 2- alkyl-cyclohexanl ,3-dione.

Where it is desirable to produce optically active benzopyrans, it is necessary to employ in Step E an optically active primary or secondary amine so as to produce a compound of formula VII which is substituted with such an optically active amino group. Suitable optically active amines for this purpose include a-methylbenzylamine (also known as a-phenethylamine), dehydro-abietylamine or desoxyephedrine.

When compound VIII contains an optically active amino moiety as R it can be conveniently resolved in Step G to compound VIII. This resolution is conveniently effected by recrystallization of compound VII or, more effectively, by the recrystallization of a suitable crystalline acid addition salt of compound VII. Suitable acids include mineral acids, non-optically active hydrocarbyl monocarboxylic acids or hydrocarbyl dicarboxylic acids, Especially preferable is oxalic acid.

The recrystallized acid addition salt is then decomposed by methods known per se to afford the resolved in -amine VIII.

Compound VIII can be converted to compound Ia" dealing with optically active amines such as compound a catalytic amount of a weak inorganic base, preferably sodium bicarbonate. In this manner, the valuable optically active amine is trapped as its reaction product with the aldehyde, and can be recycled for future use.

Conversion of compound IX to compound Ia as shown in Step I is accomplished according to the identical procedure of Step F.

The condensation of vinyl ketone addition products such as VII, VIII or IX with a 2-alkyl cycloalkane 1,3- dione is one of the key features of this reaction. It is in this condensation that specific stereochemical induction at one member of the critical CID-ring junction of the eventual steroidal product occurs. Thus, this invention is particularly advantageous in that it involves a unique asymmetric induction. The products of the conde'nsation, i.e., the dienol ethers of formula Ia and la, have two asymmetric centers at positions 3 and 6a respectively, and, therefore, two racemates or four optical antipodes are possible. However, as a result of the condensation of this invention, when using a racemic starting material of formula VII, mainly one of the two possible racemates of formula la is formed. For synthesis of a racemic steroidal final product, both of the racemates can be used. When using the optically active starting material of formulas VIII and IX, mainly a single optical antipode of formula Ia results. The specificity is increased by using compounds of formula IX rather than those of VIII and the desired optical antipode can be obtained in high purity by recrystallization of the crude reaction product. This is another reason for the-inclusion of the additional Step H in the Reaction sequence. It has been found that when starting with a compound of formula VIII or IX with a 6-R- stereo-configuration, there is obtained the more desirable optical antipode of formula Ia" having a 6aS(- 6aB) -stereo-configuration. Thus, to prepare steroidal materials having the more desirable 13B-stereo-configuration by the synthesis of this invention, one can start with the antipode of formula Ia which is prepared from antipode VIII or IX which are in turn prepared by resolution of the racemic amine VII. The unique asymmetric induction concurrent to the condensation of this invention renders the obtention of a single optical antipode as an end-product more facile. The simultaneous formation of the dienol ether of formula Ia with a unique asymmetric induction is a special advantage of this invention.

The keto dienes of formula Ia-l Ia-l llC-CH -CH -CH where R and m are as previously defined, are readily converted to the corresponding 7B-alcohols and their esters and ethers as represented by the formula la-Z R OR where R R and m are as previously defined, by the sequence of reactions comprising reduction of the ketone to the alcohol and, if desired, subsequent esterification or etherification.

It is imperative that the reducing agent and the reaction conditions be chosen such that only the desired 7- ketone and not the cyano group on the side chain is re duced. The reduction can be effected by the use of a metal hydride reducing agent. The use of an alkaline metal borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride; an alkoxy substituted alkaline metal borohydride, e.g. trimethoxysodium borohydride; or an alkoxy substituted complex metal hydride, e.g. lithium aliuminurn tri-t-butoxy hydride is preferred.

This reaction is effected in any suitable reaction medium, such as ethers, e.g. diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran; water; a lower alkanol, e.g., methanol; N,N-di- (lower alkyl)lower alkanoyl amides, e.g. N,N-dimethylformamide or aromatic amines, e.g. pyridine. The use of a hydrocarbon co-solvent, e.g. benzene, to solubilize the reactants is sometimes necessary.

The remaining reaction conditions are not narrowly critical, although it is generally preferred to effect the reduction at reduced temperatures, i.e., below about room temperature. Temperatures in the range of from about C. to about room temperature are normally employed.

The free alcohol is recovered from the reaction mixture after treatment of the mixture with acid. The alcohol can be esterified in known manner, for example, by base-catalyzed reaction with a carboxylic acid halide or carboxylic acid anhydride. Illustrative bases include inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and organic bases such as a sodium alkoxide or an amine, especially a tertiary amine, and more particularly, pyridine and picoline.

The alcohol can also be etherified in a known manner by acid catalyzed reaction with an olefin such as isobutylene or 2,3-dihydropyran. Suitable acids include min eral acids, organic sulfonic acids and Lewis acids.

The keto dienes of formula Ia-l can also be converted to their 7 B-hydroxy-7oz-hydrocarbyl derivatives represented by the formula Ia-3.

Ila-3 NOCH -CH -CH where R R and m are as previously defined and R is lower hydrocarbyl, by reaction of the keto diene with a hydrocarbyl magnesium halide such as methyl magnesium chloride or vinyl magnesium chloride, or a hydrocarbyl alkali metal compound such as methyl lithium, sodium acetylide, potassium acetylide, and the like.

It should be noted that where an alkenyl or alkynyl group is introduced into the molecule at this time, it will be reduced to the corresponding alkyl group by the later hydrogenation steps of the present process.

It is well known that hydrocarbyl magnesium halides and hydrocarbyl alkali metal compounds readily add to nitrile moieties such as that present in the side chain of compound Ia-l. Surprisingly, it has been found that selective addition to the '7-keto function can be accomplished by carrying out the reaction under carefully controlled conditions. The reaction is run in an ethereal medium, e.g. ethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, and in the case of alkynyl alkali metal, it is especially convenient to perform the reaction in liquid ammonia. The temperature of the reaction is kept between 50 and +50, preferably, between and The resulting reaction product is hydrolyzed to produce the free alcohol, which can be esterified as discussed above.

The next step of the general synthesis of the tricyclic compounds of this invention, comprises conversion of the diene of formula Ia to the monoene of formula lb by catalytic hydrogenation. Suitable catalysts include the noble metals, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, and the like, as well as Raney nickel and other hydro genation catalysts. These catalysts can be employed in the form of the metal alone or can be deposited on suitable support materials, such as carbon, alumina, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, and the like. Palladium and rhodium are preferred as catalysts. The hydrogenationis preferably conducted in the presence of inert solvents, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, and the like. The reaction conditions of pressure and temperature are not narrowly critical, and normally a hydrogen pressure of about 1 atmosphere and a temperature of about room temperature are employed. These ambient conditions are generally preferred to avoid significant hydrogenation of the 4a,9b( lOb)-double bond and the labile nitrile group of the side chain, although more severe conditions, for example up to about and up to about 10 atmospheres, can be employed if desired. The hydrogenation medium can be acidic, neutral, or basic, as may be desired, although a hydrocarbon medium, e.g. toluene or hexane, containing a tertiary amine, e.g. triethylamine, is preferred for best results. It is not advisable to combine a high reaction temperature with a strongly acidic or basic reaction medium as significant hydrolysis of the labile nitrile group may occur. In the case of hydrogenation of compounds of formula la-2 where R is an unsaturated hydrocarbyl radical, the reaction, in addition to hydrogenating the ring double bond, also hydrogenates the 7a-hydrocarbyl substituent, converting it to an alkyl group.

Via the aforesaid catalytic hydrogenation C/D-trans compounds are formed in a major proportion when hydrogenating a diene of formula la-2or la-3. This method thus provides an advantageous synthesis of CID-trans steroidal materials. When hydrogenating a diene of formula Ia-l, C/D-cis compounds are formed in a major proportion. This method thus provides an advantageous synthesis of C/D-cis steroidal materials. The products of hydrogenation of diene la-l are shown as lB-l,

NC-CH2-CH2-CH2 Ib-l wherein R and m are as previously defined, and those from hydrogenation of dienes Ia-2 and Ia-3 are shown as Ib-2,

NC-CH -CH -CH wherein R R R and m are as previously defined. Compounds of structure Ib-l can be converted to those of formula Ib-2 by the identical techniques discussed above regarding the dienes of formula Ia.

When Z is carbonyl and the hydrogenation is effected under basic conditions, there is a tendency toward the production of predominantly 6a/9a( lOa)-cis compounds; that is, the hydrogen atom in the 9a( lOa)-position in formula Ib-l is predominantly in the B- orientation. When these compounds are intended as intermediates for the synthesis of steroids having the C/D-transorientation, this technique is not particularly desirable. Although the ratio of ,8 to oz-orientation is about 1:1 at neutral conditions when hydrogenating a compound wherein Z is carbonyl, is is preferred to hydrogenate a 7,8-alcohol or ester of formula Ia-Z or Ia-3 because the products of this hydrogentation are predominantly the 6a/9a( la)-trans-compounds. When monoenes of formula Ib-l having C/D-trans-configuration are desired, it is preferable to first reduce the dienone of formula Ia-l to a corresponding hydroxy compound of formula Ia-2 prior to the catalytic hydrogenation. Following the catalytic hydrogenation, the carbonyl moiety in formula Ib-l can be regenerated by conventional means, such as oxidation with chromium trioxide or silver carbonate.

The monoene compounds of formula Ib prepared by the above described hydrogenation contain at least 3 asymmetric centers, at positions 3, 6a and 9a when m is l and at positions 3, 6a and 10a when m is 2. With respect to these threee centers, there are thus eight ste reoisomeric configurations possible. By virtue of the unique asymmetric induction of this invention, proceeding from a racemic starting material of formula VII only four of the stereoisomers of formula Ib are prepared, and preceeding from an optically active starting material of formula VIII or IX only two of the stereoisomers of formula Ib are prepared. Moreover, by the above-described hydrogenation of this invention and by appropriate selection of the 7-substituents in the diene of formula Ia subjected to the hydrogenation, there can predominantly be prepared the desired 6a,

9a( l0a)-trans-stereo-configuration. Thus, the eventual obtention of the more desired 13 B-C/D-transconfiguration in the ultimate steroidal product is rendered more facile by the stereo-selective reactions provided by this invention.

Illustrative examples of the monoene of formula Ib include:

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-2,3,5,6,6a,8,9,9a-

octahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyran-7( lH)-one,

3-( 3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-l ,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-

decahydrocyclopenta[f] [l ]benzopyran-7B-ol,

3-( 3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-2,3,5,6,6a, 8,9.9a-

octahydro cyclopenta[f] l ]benzopyran- 7( lII)-one, 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-l,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a decahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyran-7 B-ol, 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3,5 ,6,6a,8,9,10,-

10a-decahydro-naphtho[ 2, l -b ]pyran-7-one,

3-( 3-cyanopropyl)T6a-methyl- 1 ,2,5 ,6,6a,8,9, 10,10a-

decahydro-3H-naphtho[ 2, l -b ]pyran-7B-ol,

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-1,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a,7,8,9, l O,-

l0a-decahydro-naphtho [2, l -b]pyran-7-one, 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-l,2,5,6,6a,8,9,10,10a-

decahydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-7B-ol.

The next reaction of applicants general process for the compounds of this invention is the conversion of the monoene of formula Ib to the perhydro compound of formula 10 by the reaction of the monoene with a compound having the formula:

wherein R is as previously defined.

That is, the monoene of formula Ib is reacted with water, a primary alcohol, or a carboxylic acid. This reaction is catalyzed by mineral or organic acids, for example, hydrochloric aicd, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, para-toluene sulfonic acid, and the like. Sulfuric acid is the preferred acid catalyst, and water, the preferred reactant. Although it is not necessary, it is desirable to conduct this reaction in the presence of an added solvent, particularly in the event the compound of formula X is water. In this case, it is desirable to employ a solvent which is both miscible with water and a solvent for the monoene of formula Ib. Solvents of this nature include acetone, tert.-butyl alcohol, dioxane and the like. The reaction temperature is not critical, and ambient temperature is normally employed although higher and lower temperatures could be employed if desired.

As with the compounds of formulae Ia-l and lb- 1 the compounds of the general formula Ic wherein Z is carbony] NCCH2-CH2CH2 led and R R and m are as previously defined, are readily converted to their corresponding 7,8- alcohol or esters Ic-2 NC-CH2-CH2-CH2 wherein R R R R andm are as previously defined, by the previously described method. In a modification of the general technique outlined above, one can simultaneously effect the hydrogena- 15 Y REACTION SCHEME II m [0] 1 acid or base 3-( 3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-4a-hydroxyperhydrocyclopenta [f][l]benzopyran-7-one,

3 3-cyanopropyl )-6a-methyl-4a-hy droxyperhydrocyclopenta [f] [l 1benzopyran-7 [3-01,

3-( 3-cyanopropyl )-6a-ethyl-4a-hydroxyperhydroc yclopenta [f] [l]benzopyran-7-one,

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-4a-hydroxyperhydrocyclopenta [f][l]benzopyran-7,B-ol,

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-4a-hydroxyperhydro- 3H-n aphtho [2, l -b ]pyran-7-one,

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-4a,7,B-dihydroxyperhydro-3H-naphtho[ 2 l-b ]pyran,

3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-4a-hydroxyperhydro- 3H-n aphtho [2,l-b1pyran-7-one,

3-( 3-cy anopropyl )-6a-ethyl-4a,7B-dihydroxyperhydro-3 l-l-naphtho 2, l-b ]pyran.

As indicated above, the tricyclic compounds of this invention are useful as intermediates for the preparation of various medicinally valuable steroid compounds. This is illustrated by the following Reaction Scheme.

s v a ketalizing agent XVI where R,, R Z and m are as above; Z is carbonyl or a group of theformula where R is as defined above and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z" is a group of the formula where R and R are as defined above, or a group of 5 having from 1 to 4 carbons; and R is hydrogen, lower hydrocarbyl, aryl, or aryl lower alkyl.

In the first step of this reaction scheme (J), compounds of formula lc are oxidized to form bicyclic compounds of the formula XI by contact with such oxidizing agents such as chromic acid, potassium dichromate, or potassium permanganate, Jones reagent (chromic aicd, sulfuric acid and acetone), or a chromic acidacetic acid mixture are preferred as oxidizing agents. The nature of Z is unchanged in this reaction, except where Z is hydroxy methylene [-CH(OH)]. In this instance, unless the hydroxyl group is protected, as by formation of a lower acyl ester, it is oxidized to form a carbonyl group. One can then obtaina hydroxylated product by hydrolysis of the product ester. Because of the labile 'nature of the nitrile group on the side chain, care must be taken to control the reaction conditions, especially when using a strongly acidic oxidizing medium such as Jones reagent. It is preferred to effect hydration and oxidation in one step without isolating the intermediate hydration product.

In the second step (K) bicyclic compound XI is treated with acid or base to effect cyclization to XII. When acid is used as the catalyst, it is preferred that the water of reaction be removed, as by refluxing the reaction mixture with an azeotropic agent and separating the water from the condensate. It is preferred to effect CHART FOR REACTION SCHEME II Reagents Solvents Conditions Step Operable Preferred Operable Preferred Operable Preferred Remarks J chromic acid; alkali chromic acidketones, e.g. acetone, 20 0 to metal dichromates, sulfuric acid acetone; ethers, e.g. acetic acid to e.g., potassium di- (Jones reagent) diethyl ether; lower +100 chromate; alkali metal organic acids, e.g, permanganate. e.g.. acetic acid; pyripotassium permanganate dine; dimethylformamide; mixtures of the above with water K mineral acids, e.g., catalytic lower alkanols, e.g., methanol 20 For acid sulfuric acid; organic amount of methanol; hydroto to catalyzed sulfonic acids; e.g., sodium hydrox carbons, e.g., toluene 150 100 reaction it para-toluenesulfonic ide is preferacid; alkali metal able to re hydroxides, e.g., sodium move water hydroxide of reaction by azeotropic distillation. L metal catalysts palladium-charlower alkanols, e.g., tetrahydro- 0 to 20 to in presence of a mincoal in the methanol; ethers, furan 100, 30 eral acid, an alkali, presence of an e.g.. tetrahydroup to l to 3 atm metal hydroxide or an organic amine, furan; lower organic [0 atm organic amine e.g. triethylacids, e.g., acetic amine acid; hydrocarbons,

e.g., benzene M a. lower alkanols, e.g. a. ethylene ethers, e,g., tetratetrahydro- 0 to 20 methanol; lower alkylene glycol hydrofuran; hydro furan 100 to diols, e.g., ethylene carbons, e.g., 50 glycol, 2,3-butanediol; toluene; lower b. catalytic amounts of b, sulfuric alkanols, e.g., either mineral acids, e.g. acid methanol sulfuric acid; organic sulfonic acids, e.g., para-toluenesulfonic acid, or Lewis acids, e.g., borontrifluoride; c. tri(lower alkyl) c. trimethyl orthoformates orthoformate N organomagnesium halides, methyl lithium ethers, e.g., diethyl diethyl ether 50 l0 e.g., methylmagnesium ether, tetrahydroor tetrahydroto to chloride; organo alkali furan; hydrocarbons, furan +50 +10 metal reagents, e.g., e.g., hexane, toluene methyl lithium O dilute mineral acids, dilute hydrolower alkanols, e.g., methanol 20 50 e.g., hydrochloric acid; chloric acid methanol; ethers, to to organic sulfonic acids, e.g., tetrahydrofuran 100 e.g., para-toluenesulfonic acid the cyclization by a base catalyzed dehydration using only a catalytic amount of a base, most preferably an alkali metal hydroxide. The use of only a small amount of base is critical to this reaction because of the base sensitive nature of the nitrile group.

The hydrogenation of cyclo-olefin XII to tricyclic compound XIII (L) is preferably effected with a noble metal catalyst, e.g. a palladium-charcoal catalyst or a rhodium catalyst. The reaction can be carried out either in a neutral, acidic, or basic medium and best results are obtained when the reaction is conducted in the presence of a base, preferably an organic amine. The other reaction conditions of temperature and pressure are chosen so that only the desired double bond is reduced and the potentially reducible nitrile group is left untouched. During this hydrogenation reaction, an alkenyl or alkynyl group substituted in the 7a-position of compound XII is reduced to the corresponding alkyl group.

Compound XIII is next reacted (M) with either a lower alkanol or lower alkylene diol in the presence of a strong acid and a tri(lower alkyl) orthoformate to afford a ketal of structure XIV. Where Z in compound XV is a carbonyl group, it is also ketalized. When the ketalizing agent is a lower alkanol there may be formed in addition to compound XIV an enol ether of structure XVII.

CN XVI I where R R Z" and m are as above. Compounds of formula XIV and XVII need not be separated and can be carried through the remainder of the synthetic sequence as a mixture.

In a final step (0), the protective ketal groups of. compound XV are removed and the resulting compound is cyclized to the steroid of structure XVI. This is conveniently done by treating compound XV with an aqueous acid, preferably a mineral acid or an organic sulfonic acid. Steroids of structure XVI are well known intermediates for the preparation of medicinally valuable steroids.

For example, compounds of formula XVI can be selectively alkynylated by suitable organometallic acetylides affording norgestrel (13B-ethyl-l7a-ethynyl-l7l3- hydroxy-gon-4-en-3-one). Exemplary of the suitable alkynylating agents to effect the conversion to norgestrel are the alkali acetylides such as lithium acetylide, potassium acetylide, sodium acetylide, etc. The reaction is carried out in the presence of liquid ammonia in a suitable solvent such as for example, benzene or toluene. The alkynylation is effected preferably at reflux temperature of the reaction medium although temperatures from between 60 to 30 are suitable. Exemplary of other suitable reagents to effect the acetylenic addition are lithium acetylide-ethylene diamine complex in dimethylformamide solvent and Grignard analogs such as mono and bis acetylene magnesium halides. The acetylene addition, known with l3-methylsubstituted steroids, is similarly effected with a more bulky l3-ethyl-substituted steroids notwithstanding the increased steric hindrance in the latter configuration.

Compound of formula XVI wherein Z is carbonyl can be converted into corresponding pregnane compounds,

'by known procedures.

Thus, for example, l9-norl4B-andros-4-en-3 l 7-dione can be converted into l9-nor-l4,8,l7a-progesterone and des-A-androst-9-en-5,l7-dione can be converted into des-A-pregn-9-en-5-one. These procedures for converting androst-l7-ones into pregnanes are best effected if all carbonyl groups other than that in the 17- position areinitially protected. 7

An alternative synthesis for steroids of structure XVI from tricyclic compounds of structure Ia involving the intermediacy of known compounds of structure XVII is depicted in Reaction Scheme III. Compounds of structure XVII can be prepared from those of structure Ia by reaction with an organo metallic agent followed by an aqueous work-up as shown in Reaction Step P. This process is carried out in an identical manner to that shown in Reaction Step N for Reaction Scheme II. If one desires compounds of structure XVII where Z is a carbonyl group, it is advisble to first protect the carbonyl group in compound Ia-l as a ketal'b'y methods known per se and, after the completion of reaction Step P, the ketal can be hydrolyzed back to the carbonyl group. If one starts with compounds of structure Ia-2 or Ia-3, where R is an acyl group, such a group will be hydrolyzed during the course of Reaction Step I to a hydroxy group. Such a hydroxy group can, if desired, be reacylated in the usual manner. Where, in compound XVII, Z contains an R group which is alkenyl or alkynyl, such a group will be reduced to the corresponding alkyl group during the later conversion of compound XVII to steroids of the structure XVI.

133 umzo 3 :m cam emc wme efiwwso yona mm one 5 new N 3m 3m m muons FH 0a CHART FOR REACTION SCHEME III Conditions Operable Solvent Operable Reagents Preferred Remarks Preferred Preferred Operable Step STEP methanol 0 to 100 20 to 30 AS IN lower alkanols, e.g. methanol; ethers,

SAME

a. methanol b. trimethyle.g. tetrahydrofuran.

orthoformate formates, e.g. trimethylorthoformate e.g. boron trifluoride.

STEP STEP IN IN AS AS SAME SAME THE THE An alternative synthesis of compounds of structure XVII is depicted in Reaction Scheme III starting with compounds of structure VII. IN the first step, Reaction Step Q, the hemiketal function of compound VII is protected as the ketal function by reaction with a lower alkanol and a tri(lower alkyl) orthoformate in the presence of a strong acid such as a Lewis acid, preferably boron trifluoride.

In the next step (R) compound XVIII is reacted with an organo metallic agent followed by an aqueous workup to afford a compound of structure XIX. This reaction is carried out in the same manner as that shown in Step N of Reaction Scheme II. The resulting ketone is then reacted in Step S with a 2-alkylcycloalkan-1,3- dione in a manner identical with that shown in Step F of Reaction Scheme I to afford compounds of structure XVII where Z is carbonyl.

In the claims, all compounds shall be construed to include, independently, the racemic form of the compound and independently, each enantiomeric form, i.e. d and l configurations unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The following examples are illustrative. All temperatures are in degrees Centigrade and all products having centers of asymmetry are racemic unless specifically indicated otherwise.

EXAMPLE 1 A solution of 347.4 g. (1.67 moles) of 2,2-di-(3- cyanopropyl)-1,3-dioxolane in 1.5 1. of acetone was cooled to 10 and treated with 1 1. of a cold (10) 3N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 18 hours then concentrated to a volume of approximately 1.5 l. at 40 and aspirator pressure. The organic materials were extracted with methylene chloride (1 X 600 ml. and 3 X 300 ml.) and the combined organic extracts were washed with saturated brine (2 X 200 ml.) dried and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 276 g. of oily 5-oxoazeleonitrile. 1

A sample of this material on distillation yielded pure 5-oxoazeleonitrile, b.p. 137-140/0.05 mm., as a colorless liquid.

ir: v a 2250 (C E N) and 1710 (C=O) cm.

Anal. calcd. for C H N O: C, 65.83; H, 7.37; N, 17.06. Found: C, 66.08; H, 7.46; N, 17.07.

EXAMPLE 2 A solution of 276 g. (1.67 moles) of crude 5- oxoazeleonitrile in 500 ml. of methanol and 500 ml. of water was added to a cooled (5), stirred solution of 33 g. (0.873 mole) of sodium borohydride in 300 ml. of water. The temperature was held at 5l0 during the addition. After addition was complete, the mixture was stirred at room temperature 90 minutes.

Dilute aqueous sulfuric acid solution (4N) was added to the reaction mixture with cooling until pH 2-3. The organic materials were extracted with methylene chloride (1 X 500 ml., 2 X 250 ml. and 2 X 125 ml.). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (l X 200 ml.) and dried. Removal of solvents at reduced pressure gave 272 g. (98%) of 5-hydroxyazeleonitrile as a colorless, mobile liquid.

A sample of this material on evaporative distillation gave an analytical specimen, b.p. l45l75 (bath temp.)/0.0l mm.

ir: V 3625, 3500 (OH) and 2250 (C E N) cm Anal. calcd. for C H N O: C, 65.03; H, 8.49; N, 16.85. Found: C, 64.92; H, 8.35; N, 16.68.

EXAMPLE 3 A solution of 272 g. (1.64 moles) of crude 5-hydroxyazeleonitrile in 1.5 l. of toluene was treated with 312 g. (1.64 moles) of p-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate and the mixture was stirred and refluxed for 1 hour. The starting materials dissolved and were re-- placed by a precipitate of ammonium tosylate which, after cooling was filtered off with suction and washed with fresh toluene (2 X 500 ml.).

The combined filtrate and washings were washed with water (3 X 100 ml.) dried and concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue on distillation furnished pure 8-cyano-5-hydroxyoctanoic acid lactone (214 g.; 78.2%), b.p. 162165/0.2 mm.

ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1730 and 1250 (5-lactone) cm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 64.65; H, 7.84; N, 8.38. Found: C, 64,63; H, 7.89; N, 8.18.

Similar results were obtained when 1 mole equivalent of concentrated sulfuric acid and 1 mole equivalent water were substituted for the p-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate.

EXAMPLE 4 A stirred solution of 8.35 g. (0.05 mole) of S-cyano- S-hydroxyoctanoic acid lactone in 40 ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) was cooled to and treated over 14 minutes with 38 ml. (0.076 mole) of a solution of vinylmagnesium chloride in THF (2M). The mixture was then stirred for 6 minutes at 50, cooled to -65 and decomposed with 2 ml. of methanol and subsequently with aqueous ammonium chloride solution (5%; 50 ml. the cooling bath was removed for the last addition and the temperature rose to 10). sufficient acetic acid was added to yield two clear layers (pH still on basic side).

The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with THF ml. and 2 X 50 ml.) and the combined THF solutions containing 6-(3- cyanopropyl)-2-vinyltetrahydropyran2-ol were treated with 10 ml. of diethylamine and left at room temperature for 1.5-2 hours. Removal of solvents at reduced pressure yielded crude 2-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-6-(3- cyanopropyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol (17 g.) as an oil. 1

This material was treated with 50 ml. of 10% aqueous acetic acid and 20 ml. of ether. The aqueous layer was ir: v film 3150, 3450 (bonded OH and NH), 2250 (C E N), 1710 (weak C=O of open form).

Anal. calcd. for C H N O C, 67.12; H, 10.52; N, 10.44. Found: C. 67.15; H, 10.37; N, 10.28.

EXAMPLE 5 A solution of 18.92 g. (0.0706 mole) of Mannich base from Example 4, 8.72 g. (0.0778 mole) of 2-methyl-l,3-cyclopentandione 64 ml. of glacial acetic acid and 253 ml. of toluene was stirred and refluxed for 1.5 hours. After cooling, the solution was washed twice with 100 ml. portions of water, once with 100 ml. 01 0.5N aqueous HCl', twice with 100 ml. portions of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 16.3 g. (85.4%) of orange solid dienolether mixture which was essentially homogeneous on tlc analysis. Recrystallization from 20 ml. of ethanol gave 11.54 g. (60.4%) of pale orange crystals, m.p. 9599. By further recrystallization of a sample from ethanol an analytical specimen of 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta-[f] [1 ]benzopyran-7(8H)-one was obtained as pale-yellow crystals, m.p. 100101.5.

uv: A f 253 ,u. (19500); ir: v f 225O (C N), 1730 (C=O), 1630 (C=C) cm; nmr: 6 5.47 (triplet, J=2 Hz, HC=C, 1 proton), 3.85 (multiplet, H-CO, 1 proton), 1.14 (singlet, C CH 3 protons) ppm; Mass spectrum m/e 271 (M Ahal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.24; H, 7.80; N, 5.16. Found: C, 75.36; H, 7.75; N, 5.03.

EXAMPLE 6 A solution of 6 g. (0.0222 mole) of dienolether from Example in 35 ml. of benzene was added dropwise, over a minute period to-an ice-cold solution of 0.864 g. (0.0228 mole) of sodium borohydride in 50 ml. of ethanol and 5 ml. of water. The resulting mixture was stirred with ice-bath cooling for 25 minutes then the cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for an additional minutes. The mixture was poured into aqueous brine and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted twice with ether. The combined organic solutions were washed once with brine, dried and concen trated at reduced pressure giving 6 g. of yellow, solid 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta-[f] [1]benzopyran-,8-ol. TLC analysis showed a single spot and the absence of starting ketone.

ir: v 3450, 3600 (OH), .2250 (C N), 1640 (dienolether) cm.

EXAMPLE 7 The above crude alcohol from Example 6 (6 g.) in 35 ml. of toluene and 25 ml. of tetrahydrofuran was hydrogenated over 1 g. of preequilibrated AK-4 5% palladium on carbon at room temperature and 1 atm. for 23 hours. A total of 543 ml. of hydrogen was consumed (555 ml. theory for 0.022 mole). The catalyst was filtered with suction on a pad of Celite and the filter cake was washed well with toluene. The combined filtrate and washes were concentrated at reduced pressure giving 6.65 g. of 6a,9a-trans-3-( 3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f][l- ]benzopyran-7B-ol as a pale-yellow foam.

ir: v 3480 (OH), 1680 (enolether), 2250 (C E N) cm. The peak due to the dienolether at 1640 cm was completely absent.

EXAMPLE 8 The above crude enolether from Example 7 (6.65 g.) was dissolved in 165 ml. of acetone and treated with 15 ml. of 0.5N aqueous sulfuric acid solution. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours. This solution containing 6a,9a-trans-3-(3-cyanopropyl)6a-methyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f][1]benzopyran-4a,7B-diol was then cooled using an ice-bath and treated with 16.5 ml. of Jones reagent (4N with respect to OH groups), dropwise, over 15 minutes. The ice-bath was removed and the resulting red mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3% hours. After decomposition of the excess oxidant with sodium bisulfite, the mixture was diluted with brine and benzene and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted 3 times with benzene and once with ether. The combined organic solutions were washed 3 times with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and the combined washings were back extracted once with ether. The total organic solution was dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 5.93 g. (92.5%) of 4-( 3-oxo-6-cyano-l-h'exyl )-3a,4,7 ,7a-tetrahydro7a-methyl-1 ,5 (6H)-indandione as an orange oil.

ir: v 2250 (C N), 1745 (cyclopentanone C O), 1715 (cyclohexanone and aliphatic C=O) cm TLC analysis showed the major spot due to the triketone with R; 0.28.

EXAMPLE 9 A solution of 3.983 g. (0.01066 mole) of crude triketone prepared in Example 8 in 20 ml. of methanol was treated with 10 ml. of 0.1M methanolic potassium hydroxide solution. The resulting dark brown solution was stirred and refluxed for 2 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into brine and extracted twice with ether and once with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 2.8 g. (93.8%) of crude trans-anti-6-( 2-cyanoethyl)-3a-methyl- 1,2,3a,4,5 ,9,9a,9b-octahydro-3H- benz[e]inden-3,7(8H)-dione as a brown solid. Recrystallization from ethanol gave 1.5 g. (50.2%) of pale yellow crystals, m.p. 107 (homogeneous on tlc analysis, R 0.33). The analytical specimen was obtained as white. crystals, m.p. 106l07, by further recrystallization of a sample from ethanol.

ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1665 (cyclohexenone C=O), 1605 (C=C)cm' uv: k f 245 (15640) u, nmr: 8 1.03 (singlet, C CH ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.24; H, 7.80; N, 5.16. Found: C, 75.51; H, 7.99; N, 5.08.

EXAMPLE 10 A solution of 2.853 g. (0.0099 mole) of crude triketone prepared in Example 8 and 0.637 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate in ml. of toluene was stirred and refluxed, under nitrogen using a Dean-Stark trap for 4.5 hours after vigorous refluxing began. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 13.5 hours then washed twice with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The combined washings were back extracted twice with methylene chloride. The combined organic solutions were dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 2.728 g. of an orange semi-solid residue.

This material was triturated under ethyl acetate and the solid was suction filtered and washed until essentially colorless with ethyl acetate. The combined filtrate and washings were concentrated at reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed on 100 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 4:1 benzene: ether gave 0.866 g. (32.3%) of crystalline 6-(2-cyanoethyl)- 3a-methyll ,2,3a,4,5 ,9,9a,9a,9b-octahydro-3H- benz[e]inden-3,7(8H)-dione. This was recrystallized: from ethanol giving 0.681 g. of pale yellow solid, m.p.

EXAMPLE 11 A solution of 1.03 g. (3.82 moles) of enedione pre- 1 g. of colorless, solid residue. This was crystallized EXAMPLE 12 A solution of 0.1 g. (0.366 mole) of cyanodione prepared in Example 11, 0.22 ml. of trimethylorthoformate, 0.02 ml. of borontrifluoride etherate and ml. of methanol was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 hours then poured into excess saturated, aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted three times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.121 g. of an oil. TLC analysis showed an elongated spot, R; 0.48 and no starting material present.

ir: v 2250 (C N), 2840 (OCH 1680 (enolether), 1160, 1110, 1080, 1050 cm (no OH, essentially no C=O). The nmr spectrum showed OCH singlets at S 3.28, 3.24 and 3.22 ppm and a weak band at 53.50 possibly due to the vinyl proton of an enolether. The integration indicated 3 OCH groups per molecule.

The mixture appeared to consist of trans-anti-transanti- 3 3 ,7 ,7-tetramethoxy-3 a-methyl- 6( 2-cyanoethyl perhydro-lH-benz-[e]indene and an enol ether at the 6,7- or 7,8-position resulting from loss of one molecule of methanol.

EXAMPLE 1 3 A solution of 0.134 g. of the crude ketal-enolether mixture from Example 12 in 10 ml. of anhydrous ether was stirred with cooling in an ice-salt bath at 10-0 while 0.8 ml. (1.6 moles) of 2M ethereal methyllithium was quickly added from a syringe. The resulting mix-' ture was stirred at 100 for 1.5 hours then treated with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution.

The ether layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice with ether. The combined ether solutions were washed with saturated brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure. This gave 0.147 g. of pale-yellow oily mixture of trans-anti transanti-3 ,3 ,7 ,7-tetramethoxy-3a-methyl- 6(3-oxo-1-butyl)- 26' perhydro-lH-benz[e]indene and the corresponding enol ether. The infrared spectrum indicated the reaction was complete:

v 2835 (OCH 1710 (ketone C=O), 1680 (enolether) cm (no C E N). 1

EXAMPLE 14 A solution of 0.1g. (0.366 mole) of trans-anti-transanti-6-(2-cyanoethyl)-3a-methyl-1,2,3a,4,5 ,5a,8,9-

,9a,9b-decahydrobenz [e]inden-3,7(6H)dione in 5 ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran was treated with 0.226 g. (3.66

moles) of ethylene glycol, 0.2 ml. of trimethyl orthoformate and 0.01 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen, for 1.5 hours then poured into excess 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. After dilution with brine, the mixture was extracted three times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 133 mg. of colorless, crystalline product. TLC analysis showed a major spot, R; 0.50 and a very weak impurity R; 0.76. No starting material, R, 0.40 was detectable. a i

This material was combined with the product from an identical run (0.111 g.; 0.244 g. total) and chromatographed on 25 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 1:1 benzenezether gave 0.229 g. (86.8%) of pure transanti-trans-anti-3 ,3 ,7 ,7-bis (ethylenedioxy )-3a-methyl- 6-(2-cyanoethyl)perhydro-lH-benz[e] indene as a colorless solid. (TLC, R 05). Two recrystallizations from ether gave colorless crystals, m.p. l18.5l20.5.

ir: v f 2250 (C E N), 1160, 1105, 1050 cm; nmr: S 3.94, 3.86 (singlets, 8 ethylene ketal protons), 0.87 (singlet, C -CH ppm; mass spectrum m/e 361 (M Anal. calcdj'fo'r C H NO C, 69.77; H, 8.65; N,

3.88. Found: C, 69.87; H, 8.39; N, 3.86.

.EXAMPLE 15 An ethereal methyllithium solution (4.3 ml.; 2M; 8.6

,moles) was cooledto 10 (ice-salt bath) and stirred while a solution of 0.711 g. (1.97 moles) of bis-ketal nitrile prepared in Example 14 in 15 ml. of anhydrous ether and 5 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added over a 3 minute period. The reaction mixture was stirred at -5 for 1 hour then 10 ml. of water was added and stirring was continued at room temperature for 30 minutes. After dilution with saturated brine, the ether layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether. Thecombined ether layers were washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.719 g. (96.5%) of essentially pure trans-anti-trans-anti-3,3,7,7-bis(ethylenedioxy)- 3a-methyl-6-( 3-oxol-butyl )perhydro- 1 H-benz[ e] indene as a colorless solid. TLC analysis showed essentially one spot R 0.37.

A sample was chromatographed on silica gel and recrystallized from other giving fluffy white solid, m.p. 122-l23.

ir: v 1715 (aliphatic ketone C=), 1160, 1105, 1050, 1040, 950 cm.

EXAMPLE 16 refluxed for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mix ture was diluted with benzene and washed with saturated brine. The organic layer was dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.063 g. of crude, crystalline l9-norandros-4-en-3,l7-dione. TLC analysis showed the main spot R, 0.27 (identical R, to that of authentic 19-norandrostendione) and a minor impurity, R 0.42.

This material was chromatographed on g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 4:1 and 1:1 benzenezether afforded 0.053 g. (84.8%) of colorless crystals which were homogeneous on TLC analysis. Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave 0.038 g. (60.8%) of colorless crystals, m.p. 155157.

ir: v,,,,,,"" 1735 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1665 (enone C=O), 1620 (C=C)' uv: A 240 p. (15650).

EXAMPLE 17 A solution of 0.538 g. (1.47 moles) of bis-ketal from Example in ml. of methanol and 6 ml. of 4N aqueous hydrochloric acid was stirred and refluxed for 4 hours, then cooled, diluted with brine and extracted three times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.352 g. (87%) of colorless, crystalline 19-norandrostendione. This material was homogeneous on TLC analysis, R, 0.36. Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave 0.254 g. (62.7%) of colorless crystals, m.p. l55156.5.

uv: A 240 p. (617400).

EXAMPLE 18 An 18.0 g. sample of 2-ethylcyclopentan-1,3-dione was dissolved in 500 ml. of 4:1 toluene2glacial acetic acid and treated with a solution of 20.15 g. of Mannich base from Example 4 in 200 m1. of 4:1 toluenezglacial acetic acid. The resulting solution was stirred and heated under reflux for 0.5 hour then refluxed azeotropically for 1.5 hour using a Dean-Stark trap. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was diluted with 100 ml. of toluene and washed with water (2 X 200 ml.). Each aqueous portion was reextracted with toluene (2 X 200 ml.). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated brine (1 X 200 ml.) then dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 20.38 g. (93.5%) of 3-( 3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl- 1 ,2,3,5,6,6a hexahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyran- 7(8H)-one which showed one spot, R 0.50, on TLC analysis.

From another experiment, on a smaller scale, using the same procedure as above, the crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel. Elution with 9:1 and 4:1 benzene: ether gave pure dienolether mixture.

ir: v 2250 (C a N), 1730 (cyclopentanone)- EXAMPLE 19 The crude mixture of dienolether from Example 18 (20.28 g.) in 120 ml. of benzene was added to a stirred solution of 6 g. of sodium borohydride in 150 ml. of ethanol and 15 ml. of water at 0. The reaction mixture orange 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a'ethyl-l,2,3, 5,6,6a,7,8-

octahydrocyclopentafi'] 1 ]benzopyran-B-ol. TLC analysis showed a single spot, R; 0.48 and no starting ketone.

ir: v 3450 (OH), 2250 (C E N) and 1650 (dienolether) cm.

EXAMPLE 20 The dienolether from Example 19 (21.7 g.) in 500 ml. of toluene was hydrogenated over 4 g. of AK-4 5% palladium on carbon at room temperature and 1 atmo sphere for 6 hours. A total of 1725 ml. of hydrogen was absorbed during this period. The catalyst was filtered with suction through celite and the filter cake was washed well with fresh toluene. The combined filtrate and washings were concentrated at reduced pressure giving 20.15 g. of yellow oily 6a,9a-trans-3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-1,2,3 ,5 ,6, 6a,7,8,9 ,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[fl[1]benzopyran-B-ol.

ir: v 3475 (OH), 2250 (C i N), 1680 (enolether) cm; the band at 1650 cm due to the dienolether was absent.

EXAMPLE 21 The above crude enolether from Example 20 (20. 15 g.) was dissolved in 200 ml. of acetone containing 25 m1. of 1N aqueous sulphuric acid. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour after which time TLC analysis showed the absence of starting material.

The reaction mixture which contained 6a,9a-trans-3- (3-cyanopropyl)-6a-ethyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f] l- ]benzopyran-4a,7B-diol was cooled to 05 (ice-bath) while ml. of Jones reagent was added dropwise over 20 minutes. After stirring at room temperature for 3 hours, the excess oxidizing agent was decomposed with sodium bisulfite solution. Saturated brine (200 ml.) was added and the mixture was extracted with benzene (3 X 200 ml.). Each benzene extract was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (2 X 200 ml.) and brine (2 X 200 ml.). The combined organic solution was dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 14.2 g. (66%) of red, 3a,7atrans-4-(3-oxo-6-cyano-1-hexyl)-3a,4,7 ,7 a-tetrahydro- 7a-ethyl-1 ,5(6H)-indandione.

ir: v 2250 (C a! N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1715 (saturated aliphatic and cyclohexanone C=O) cm (no OH present).

EXAMPLE 22 A 6.0 g. sample of the crude triketone from Example 21 was dissolved in 50 ml. of ethanol and 25 ml. of 0.1N methanolic potassium hydroxide then stirred and heated under reflux for 1.5 hours. The methanol was evaporated at reduced pressure and the residue was treated with saturated brine ml.) and extracted with benzene (3 X 200 ml.). Each benzene extract was washed with brine (2 X 100 ml.). The combined organic extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 5.3 g. of dark red, oily product. uv: )t f 246 .1.(el0300), 300 (1915).

This material was chromatographed on 250 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 4:1 and 2:1 benzenezether which were homogeneous on TLC analysis (R, 0.4; strong uv spot) gave 2.55 g. of pale-yellow oil. The other fractions (1.10 g.) showed the presence of a slower moving impurity, R, 0.3 (-70% desired material present).

One of the purer fractions was rechromatographed on silica gel giving trans-anti-6-(2-cyanoethyl)-3aethyl-1,2,3a,4,5 ,9,9a, 9b-octahydro-3H-benz[e]inden- 3,7(8H)-dione as a colorless oil with the following physical properties:

ir: v 2255 (C N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1670 (afi-unsaturated ketone C=O), 1600 (C=C) cm; nmr; 6 0.86 (triplet, J=8Hz, 3aCH CH 3 protons) ppm.

uv: A 245/6 p. (Fl2,600).

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.75; H, 8.12; N, 4.91. Found: C, 75.79; H, 7.99; N, 4.91.

EXAMPLE 23 A 4.0 g. sample of the crude triketone from Example 21 was dissolved in 200 ml. of toluene and 0.90 g. of ptoluenesulfonic acid monohydrate was added. The mixture was stirred and brought to reflux over 1 hour then refluxed with azeotropic removal of water (Dean-Stark trap) for 4 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2 X 100 ml.), and saturated brine (1 X 100 ml.). .The aqueous washings were back extracted with methylene chloride (3 X 100 ml.). The combined organic extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 3.5 g. of an orange semi-solid residue.

This material was triturated under ethyl acetate and the solid was filtered off and washed well with ethyl acetate until nearly colorless. The combined filtrate and washings from the above purification were concentrated at reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on 140 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 4:1 and 2:1 benzenezether gave 0.95 g. (25.2%) of pale-yellow oil. The ir spectrum and TLC of this material were identical to that of enedione prepared in Example 22.

EXAMPLE 24 A 1.15 g. sample of enedione from Example 22 (purified by chromatography) was dissolved in '40 ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran containing 1 ml. of triethylamine and hydrogenated over 0.2 g. of AK-4 (5% palladium on carbon) at room temperature and 1 atmosphere for 2.5 hours. The hydrogen uptake amounted to 121 ml. The catalyst was filtered with suction through celite and the filtrate was concentrated at reduced pressure giving 1.14 g. of colorless oily trans-anti-trans-anti-6-(1- cyanoethyl)-3a-ethyl-1,2,3a,4,5,5a,8,9,9a,9b-decahydrobenz[e]inden-3,7(6H)dione. TLC analysis showed a single spot R; 0.4.

This material was chromatographed on 50 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 9:1, 4:1 and 2:1 benzenezether afforded 0.906 g. (78.5%) of colorless crystals. Recrystallization from 2-propanol gave the analytical specimen as colorless crystals, m.p. 118.5-l21.0.

ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1715 (cyclohexanone C=O) cm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.22; H, 8.77; N, 4.87. Found: C, 75.40; H, 9.07; N, 4.87.

EXAMPLE 25 A pure sample of dione from Example 24 (0.2 g.) was dissolved in 5 ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran and treated with 0.5 ml. of ethylene glycol, 0.5 ml. of trimethylorthoformate and 0.01 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 5.5 hours. At the end of this time TLC analysis showed a single spot, R 0.48 and no starting material present. After addition of several drops of triethylamine then 2 ml. of 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, the mixture was extracted three times with benzene. The combined organic extracts were washed twice with saturated brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.264 g. of crude transanti-trans-anti-3,3,7,7-bis(ethylenedioxy)-3a-ethyl- 6(2-cyanoethyl)perhydro-1H-benz[e]indene as a beige powder. Recrystallization from 2 propanol gave 0.214 g. of colorless crystals, m.p. 127.5-129.5.

ir: v a 2250 (C i N), 1160, 1100, 1050 cm; nmr: fi 3.96, 3.86 (singlets, 8 ethylene ketal protons) ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C I-1 N0 1 C, 70.37; H, 8.86; N, 3.73. Found: C, 70.32; H, 8.56; N, 3.52.

EXAMPLE 26 A solution of 0.164 g. of pure diketal nitrile from Example 25 in 25 ml. of anhydrous ether was added dropwise from a syringe to a solution of 2 ml. of -2M ethereal methyllithium in 5 ml. of anhydrous ether at 15. The mixture was stirred at 10 for 1.75 hours then decomposed by the addition of 2 ml. of water at 0. After stirring at room temperature for 1.5 hours, the mixture was extracted three times with ether and the combined ether extracts were washed twice with saturated brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure. This gave 0.165 g. (97%) of trans-anti-trans-anti- 3 ,3 ,7 ,7-bis( ethylenedioxy )-3a-ethyl-6-( 3-oxol -butyl perhydrolH-benz[e]indene as a beige solid. TLC analysis showed a major spot, R, 0.42 and a trace of a faster moving spot, the R; of which corresponded to that of the starting nitrile.

This material was recrystallized from 2-propanol giving 0.082 g. of colorless, fluffy crystals, m.p. 1 16l 19.

ir:lv,,, 1710 (ketone C=O), 1155, 1100, 1055 cm nmr; 8 3.88, 3.82 (singlets, 8 ethylene ketal protons), 2.06 singlet, CH -C-O, 3 protons) ppm.

EXAMPLE 27 This material was chromatographed on 5 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 2:1 and 1:1 benzenezether gave 0.083 g. (92%) of pale-yellow crystalline material. Recrystallization from methanol afforded 0.056 g. of pure product as colorless crystals, m.p. 156159.

uv: x 230 m .l.(e18000); nmr: s s 5.82 (singlet, C H, 1 proton), 0.81 (triplet, CH CH 3 protons) ppm.

EXAMPLE 28 A 16.7 g. (0.1 mole) sample of the lactone prepared in Example 3 was treated with 76 ml. (0.16 mole) of 2.1M vinylmagnesium chloride solution in THF using the procedure described in Example 4. After the same work-up, the THF extracts [containing 6-(3-cyanopropyl)-2-vinyltetrahydropyran-2 ol] were then treated with 12.1 g. of (-)-S-a-methylbenzylamine and left at room temperature for 3 hours. The solvents were removed at reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in a mixture of 125 ml. of acetone and 125 ml. of 1.5N aqueous sulfuric acid solution. After 15 minutes at room temperature this mixture was extracted with 100 ml. of n-hexane and the hexane extract was reextracted with 30 ml. of 1:1 acetone: 1N aqueous sulphuric acid.

The combined acid aqueous extract was made alkaline with 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution and the Mannich base (2-[2-(S-a-phenethylamino)ethyl]- 6-(3-cyanopropyl)-tetrahydropyran-2-ol) was isolated by ether extraction of (1 X 100 ml.; 3 X 50 ml.). The combined ether solutions were washed with brine, dried and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 28.5 g. of residue.

This material was dissolved in 65 ml. of acetone and added to a solution of 9.2 g. of oxalic acid in 65 ml. of acetone and left at room temperature for 24 hours. The solids were filtered with suction and washed with 25 ml. of acetone and 60 ml. of 1:1 acetonezisopropyl ether mixture and dried under high vacuum over P Thewhite solid (10.5 g., m.p. 107-111 (Hot Stage), [ab-33.8") was recrystallized from 50 ml. of acetonitrile to yield 9.33 g. (46%) of pure 2S,6R 2-[2-(S-aphenethylamino ethyl -6-( 3-cyanopro pyl )-tetrahydropyran-2-ol oxalate m.p. 10812 (Hot Stage), [ab-366 (C=2.26,CH OH). The analytical specimen, obtained by several recrystallizations of a sample from acetone showed m.p. 108109 (capillary), [a] -35.28 (C=1.0, CH OH).

Anal. calcd. for C H N O C H O C, 62.05; H, 7.44; N, 6.89. Found: C, 62.37; H, 7.65; N, 6.84.

EXAMPLE 29 To a suspension of 6.1 g. of oxalate from Example 28 in 60 ml. of water, sodium carbonate was added until the mixture showed pH 9. The free base was then extracted with several portions of ether.

The combined ether extracts were washed with brine, dried, filtered, concentrated at reduced pressure and dried under high vacuum giving 4.65 g. of 2S,6R,2-[2- (S-a-phen ethylamine )ethyl -6-( 3-cyanopropyl )tetrahydropyran-2-ol as a light yellow oil. [a] 20.39 (C=0.9759 in benzene).

ir: z/ f' 3100 (bonded OH, NH), 2250 (C E N) cm Anal. calcd. for C H N O C, 72.11; H, 8.92; N, 8.85. Found: C, 72.17; H, 8.85; N, 9.05.

EXAMPLE 30 A mixture of 4.55 g. of the free base from Example 29 l ml. of methanol, 0.460 g. of sodium bicarbonate and 2.0 g. of freshly distilled benzaldehyde was stirred and heated at reflux for 8.5 hours. The reaction mixture was then concentrated to a volume of 10 ml., diluted with saturated brine and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 6.4 g. of oily product. This was chromatographed on 65 g. of silica gel. Elution with ether, 4:1 and 2:1 etherzethyl acetate afforded 3.07 g. (92%) of pure 2S,6R, 2-( 2-methoxyethyl)-6-(3-cyanopropyl)tetrahydropyran-Z-ol as an oil.

ir: v 3470 (OH), 2250 (C E N), and 1720 (ketone C=O) cm.

EXAMPLE 3 l A mixture of 2.27 g. of methanol adduct from Example 30 1.35 g. of 2-methylcyclopentan-l,3-dione, 40 ml. of toluene and 20 ml. of acetic acid was stirred and heated at for 5 hours. The bath temperature was then raised to for 1 hour, during which time azeotropic distillation of water into a Dean-Stark trap was carried out. The cooled mixture was washed with saturated brine, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and again with brine. The aqueous washings were reextracted with benzene and the combined benzene solutions were dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded 2.8 g. of a crude, crystalline mixture of 3S,6aS and 35,621 R-3(3-cyanopropyl)-6a-methy1- 1 ,2,3,5 ,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyran- 7(8H)-one which was chromatographed on 250 g. of silica gel. The fractions eluted with 19:1 benzene:ether furnished 2.02 g. of solid m.p. 7296, [041 150.86 (C=0.9207 in chloroform).

This material was recrystallized from 9 ml. of 2- propanol giving 1.02 g. (37.7%) of pure 3S,6aS,3-(3- cyanopropyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one m.p. 101104, [a] l82.0 (C=1.0 in chloroform). A sample was recrystallized several times to afford an analytical sample m.p. 102104, [a] 184.42 (G -1.0335 in CHCI ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O) and 1640 (dienolether) cm; uv: A f 254 mp.(e18800); nmr: S 5.41 (triplet, J=2Hz, H-C--, 1 proton); 3.78 (multiplet, H-C-O, 1 proton), 1.10 (singlet, C -CH 3 protons) ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.24; H, 7.80. Found: C, 75.17; H, 7.95.

I EXAMPLE 32 A solution of 1.02 g. of dienolether from Example 31 in 6 ml. of ethanol and 5 ml. of benzene was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 0.25 g. of sodium borohydride in 5 ml. of water and 5 ml. of ethanol at 0.

C-OH), 3.73 (multiplet, HC-O), 0.93 (singlet,

C -CH 3 protons) ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO Found: C, 74.55; H, 8.61.

EXAMPLE 33 A solution of 0.75 g. of dienolether from Example 32 in 15 ml. of dry ether and ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise to 11 ml. of a 2M ethereal methylwith 2:1 and 1:1 benzene:ether and ether alone afforded pure, crystalline 3S,6aS-3-(4-oxo-l-pentyl)-6amethyl-1,2,3 ,5,6,6a,7,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f] [l- ]benzopyran-7fi-ol (0.151 g.), [a] 165.17 (C=0.689 in CHCI ir: v 3620 (OH) 1720 (ketone C=O) and 1640 (dienolether) cm; uv: X 254 mp.(el8320).

EXAMPLE 34 A mixture of 130.5 mg. of dienolether from Example 33, ml. of xylene and 1.3 g. of silver carbonate-celite reagent was stirred and heated under reflux for 1 hour. After cooling, the solids were filtered off and washed several times with benzene. The filtrate was evaporated at reduced pressure to give 100 mg. of crude product which was chromatographed on g. of silica gel. Elution with 19:1 and 4:1 benzenezether gave 60 mg. of 3S,6aS,3-(4-oxo-1-pentyl)-6a-methyl-1,2,3,5,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one m.p. 6770, [a] 157.95 (C=0.9883 in CHCI This material was recrystallized from aqueous methanol to give a pure sample m.p. 72.574, [01] -16390 (C=1.0427 in CHCl ir: v 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1710 (ketone C=O) and 1640 (dienolether) cm; uv: A 253 my.(el9000).

EXAMPLE 35 A solution of methanol adduct from Example (605 mg.) in methanol (6.0 ml.) and trimethylorthoformate (0.9 ml.) was treated with borontrifluoride etherate (60 mg). After the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes, it was treated with an additional 30 mg. of borontrifluoride etherate and stirred for another 15 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was then poured into excess sodium bic arbonate solution and the resulting mixture was extracted with ether three times. The combined ether extract was washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded crude 2S,6R-2-methoxy2-(2- methoxyethyl 6-( 3 -cyanopropyl )-tetrahydropyran (590 mg.) as an oil. ir: v 2250 (C N) cm- The absence of hydroxyl and ketone in the ir indicated that the reaction was complete. Chromatography on silica gel and elution with benzenezether 9:1 and 4:1 afforded a pure sample [a] -72.97 (C=1.l238 in chloroform) or [a] 63.46 (C=l.0385 in benzene); ir: v 2250 (C E N) cm; nmr: fi -i 3.30, 3.15 (singlets, 6 methoxy protons) ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C l-l NO C, 64.69; H, 9.61; N, 5.80. Found: C, 64.82; H, 9.76; N, 5.58.

EXAMPLE 36 An ethereal methyllithium solution (11 ml.; 2M) was cooled to l5f and stirred while a solution of the product from Example 35 (1.25 g.) in ether (35 ml.) was added over a 10 minute period. After the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 1 0 an aliquot was removed and tracted with excess saturated aqueous bicarbonate solution. The TLC analysis showed essentially one spot (R; 0.35) plus some minor polar spots (R O. 15 and 0.05). The absence of starting material (R; 0.4) indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm up to 5 C. and was treated with excess saturated bicarbonate solution. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The aqueous layer was then separated and extracted three times with ether. The combined ether layers were washed with brine and dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded crude 2S,6S-2- methoxy- 2-( 2-methoxyethyl )6-( 4-oxo- 1 -pentyl )-tetrahydropyran (1.24 g.) as an oil. Chromatography on silica gel and elution with benzene-ether 1:1 afforded a pure sample as a colorless oil. [a] 66.55 (@10684 in chloroform) or [a] 63.47 (C=1.0 10

in benzene); 'mar 10 (ketone C=O) cm;

nmr: 6 3.31, 3.16 (singlets 6 methoxy protons) 2.13 (singlet, CH CO, 3 protons) ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C H O C, 65.08; H, 10.14. Found: C, 65.10; H, 10.08.

EXAMPLE 37 A mixture of ketoketal from Example 36 (948 mg.), toluene (19 ml.), 2-methylcyclopentane-l,3-dione (620 mg.) and acetic acid (9 ml.) was heated to 115C in an apparatus which was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 15 hours. (slight reflux but not enough for dis tillation into the Dean-Stark trap). The temperature was then raised to 140 for 1 hour. The cooled mixture was washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine. The aqueous layers were reextracted with benzene and the combined benzene extracts were'washed again with brine. Drying and solvent removal afforded crude crystalline 3S,6aS,3-(4- oxol-pentyl )-6a-methyll ,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a-hexahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7(8H)-one (1.02 g.). This material was dissolved in methanol (7 ml.) and slowly treated with water (3 ml.) over a period of 15 minutes. A first crop (421.6 mg.) was obtained, m.p. 67.572 C., [a] l57.5 (C=1.0l in chloroform). The mother liquor from the crystallization was treated with more water (1.5 ml.) over a period of 1 hour. In this way a second crop (246.1 mg.) was obtained, m.p. 6l-67C., [a] --147.7 (C=1.l3 in chloroform). The first and second crops were recrystallized together from aqueous methanol to afford a pure sample (528.4 mg; 50%); mp. 7l74C; [a] 163.65 (C=0.933l in chloroform); ir: v f' 1740 (cyclopentanone C E O), 1710(ket0ne C E O), 1640(dienolether)cmuv: u f 254 mp.(el8600).

EXAMPLE 38 ;decahydrocyclopenta[f][l]benzopyran-7B ol as an oil (5.66 g.). The ir spectrum showed absorptions 1680 cm" (enolether), 2250 cm (nitrile) and 3620 cm (hydroxyl). This crude product was used for the next step.

EXAMPLE 39 A mixture of crude enolether from Example 38 (5.66 g.), acetone (110 ml.) and 1N sulfuric acid (30 ml.) was allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture containing 3S,6aS,6a,9a-trans-3- (3-cyanopropyl )-6a-methyl-perhydrocyclopenta[f] [l- ]benzopyran-4a,7B-diol was then stirred and cooled to and treated with freshly prepared Jones Reagent (21.5 ml.) over a period of 15 minutes. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Under cooling, sodium bisulfite was added until the color of the solution turned green. The mixture was diluted with saturated brine and then extracted with benzene several times. The benzene layers were washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded crude 6aS-trans-anti-4-( 3-oxo-6-cyanol -hexyl)3a,4,7- ,7a-tetrahydro-7aB-methyl-l,5(6H)-indandione as an oil. This crude product was used in the next step without purification.

EXAMPLE 40 A mixture of triketone from Example 39 (4.6 g., crude), toluene (200 ml.) and p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (1.0 g.) was stirred and refluxed, under nitrogen, using a Dean-Stark trap for 4.5 hours after vigorous refluxing began. The cooled solution was washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The aqueous layers were back extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic solutions were dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded a semi-solid residue (4.0 g.). This material was triturated under ethyl acetate and the solid was suction filtered and washed with ethyl acetate. The combined filtrate and washings were concentrated and the residue (3.3 g.) chromatographed on silica gel (300 g.). Elution with benzene: ethylacetate 2:1 and 1:1 afforded 1.93 g. oil, TLC one spot. A 1.1 g. sample of this material was rechromatographed on silica gel (100 g.). Elution with benzenezethylacetate 4:1 and 2:1 afforded (+)-transanti-6(2-cyanoethyl)-3aB-methyll,2,3a,4,5,- 9,9a,9b-octahydro-3H-benz e] inden- 3 ,7( 8H )-dione (541.9 mg., semi-crystalline). This material was triturated with ether and a little benzene to afforded a pure sample (392.4 mg.) was colorless solid m.p. 111117C., [a] +25.5 (C=1.0 in chloroform). Recrystallization from 2-propanol afforded a pure analytical sample (308.6 mg.) m.p. 116-119C., [a] +53.9 (C=0.9073 in chloroform).

ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1740 (cyclopentanonee C=O), 1665 (a,B-unsaturated ketone C=O), 1605 (C=C) cm uv: )t 245 (e13400)my.; nmr: 8TMSCDCZ3 (Singlet, GHQ-CH3) Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.24; H, 7.80; N, 5.16. Found: C, 74.98; H, 7.71; N, 5.00.

EXAMPLE 41 A 12.2 g. sample of triketone from Example 39 was dissolved in 40 ml. of methanol and treated with 43 ml.

of a methanolic potassium hydroxide solution (0.0132 g./ml. After heating at reflux for 45 minutes, the reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with saturated brine and the organic materials were extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure. Recrystallization of the residue from 2-propanol gave 6.3 g. of pure (+)-trans-anti-6(2-cyanoethyl)-3 afimethyl- 1 ,2,3a,4,5 ,9,9a,9b-octahydro-3H-benz[e]inden-3,7(8H)-dione, m.p. 115117.

[a] +55.l (C=1.5002; CHCl uv: I/ 243 mp.(e14000);ir: v 2250 (C E N), 1735 (cyclopentanone C=O); 1665 (cyclohexenone C=O) and 1603 (C=C) cm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO C, 75.25; H, 7.80; N, 5.16. Found: C, 74.98; H, 7.71; N, 5.00.

EXAMPLE 42 A solution of enedione from Example 41 (230 mg.) l

in dry tetrahydrofuran (8 ml.) and triethylamine (0.23 ml.) was stirred in an atmosphere of hydrogen over 5% palladium on carbon (46 mg., AK-4). After 2 hours, 30 ml. of hydrogen was absorbed (19 ml. theory). The hydrogenation was stopped, the catalyst was filtered off and Washed with benzene and the combined filtrate and washings concentrated to give crude, semi-crystalline product (228 mg.). This product was triturated with 2- propanol (2 ml.) to afford (+)-trans-anti-trans-anti-6- (2-cyanoethyl)- 3aB-methyl-l ,2,3a,4,5 ,5a,8,9,9a,9b-decahydrobenz e- ]inden-3,7(6H)-dione (190 mg.) was a white solid, m.p. 129134. An analytical specimen was obtained by recrystallization from 2-propanol, m.p. 135136, [oz] +78.91 (C=1.0354 in CHCl ir: v 2250 (C N), 1740 (cyclopentanone C O), 1710 (cyclohexanone C=O) cm; nmr: S 0.97 (sin- EXAMPLE 43 A solution of diketone from Example 42 (200 mg), methanol (2 ml.) trimethylorthoformate (0.45 ml.) and borontrifluoride etherate (0.03 ml.) was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature and then poured into excess saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted 3 times with benzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded a crude oil (242 mg.). The ir of this sample still showed absorptions at 1740 and 1720 cm (cyclopentanone and cylclphexanone; approximately 30% starting material A solution of the sample above (242 mg.) in methanol (2.0 ml.), trimethylorthoformate (0.5 ml.) and aqueous perchloric acid (0.02 ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was cooled to 05C. and treated first with triethylamine (0.03 ml.) and then with sodium bicarbonate mg). The mixture was poured into excess saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted three times with benzene. The combined benzene extracts were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded a crude oily mixture of trans-anti-trans-anti-3 ,3 ,7 ,7-tetramethoxy-3 ozB-methyl- 6-(2-cyanoethyl)perhydro-lH-benz[e]indene and an I enol ether at the 6,7-or 7,8-position (241.1 mg).

I ir: v 2840 (OCH 2250 (C N), weak bands at 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), (cyclohexanone C=O) and 1670 (enolether) cm.

EXAMPLE 44 A solution of crude product from Example 43 (240 mg.) in anhydrous ether (15 ml.) was stirred with cooling in an ice-salt bath at -l5 to while 2M ethereal methyllithium( 1.5 ml., 3 mole) was quickly added from a syringe. The resulting mixture was stirred at to 0 EXAMPLE 45 A solution of diketone from Example 42 (190.0 ml.) in dry tetrahydrofuran (5 .0 ml.) was treated with ethylene glycol (0.4 ml.), trimethylorthoformate (0.4 ml.) and concentrated sulfuric acid (0.02 ml.). The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours and then treated first with triethylamine (0.04 ml.) and then with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide so lution (2.0 ml.). The resulting mixture was extracted with benzene 3 times. The combined benzene layers were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded (253 mg.) of a crude solid. This material was recrystallized twice from 2-propanol to afford pure (+)-trans-anti-trans-anti-3,3,7,7-bis(ethylenedioxy)-3aB-methyl-6-(2-cyanoethyl)perhydrolH-benz[e]indene (169 mg.), mp. 130-131C., [a] +0.67 (C=1.0363 in CHCl ir: v fl 2250 (C E N) cm; nmr: fi 3.96, 3.86 (singlets, 8 ethylene ketal protons), 0.88 (singlet, C -CH ppm.

Anal. calcd. for C H NO 0, 69,77; H, 8.65; N, 3.88. Found: C, 69.93; H, 8.50; N, 3.91.

EXAMPLE 46 An ethereal methyllithium solution (2.0 ml., 2M) was cooled to and stirred while a solution of nitrile bisketal from Example 45 (176.0 mg.) in anhydrous ether (10 ml.) was added over a 5 minute period. The reaction mixture was stirred at 15 to 0 for 30 minutes and then treated at 0 with water (3.0 ml.). After dilution with brine, the ether layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice with ether. The combined ether layers were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded the crude product (185.2 mg.) as an oil. This material was chromatographed on silica gel (18 g.). Elution with benzene:ether 2:1 and 1:1 afforded pure (-)-transanti-trans-anti-3,3,7,7-bis-(ethylenedioxy)3aB-rnethyl- 6-(3-oxol-butyl)perhydro-1H-benz[e ]indene 15 1.5 mg, 82.5%) as a colorless solid, mp. 7781C., [a] 6.2 C=1.0 CHCl ir: v 1720 (ketone C=O) cm.

EXAMPLE 47 A solution of the mixture from Example 44 (194 mg.) in methanol (5 ml.) and 4N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (1.5 ml.) was stirred and refluxed for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with brine and extracted with benzene three times. The combined benzene layers were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded crude product (136.2 mg). This material was chromatographed on silica gel (7.5 g.). Elution with benzene:ethylacetate 9:1 and 4:1 afforded d-(+)-l9-norandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (110.1 mg), mp. 166170, [a] +131.0(C=0.50 CHCl Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave a pure sample (54.7 mg.) as colorless needles, mp. 170.5l72, [a] +l4l.55 (C=1.0703 in chloroform).

ir: v f' 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1665 (enone C=O), 1620 (C=C) cm uv: k f' 239 mp.(e17400).

Anal. calcd. for C H O C, 79.37; H, 8.88. Found:

EXAMPLE 48 A solution of keto bis-ketal from Example 46 (151.5 mg.) in methanol (4.5 ml.) and 4N aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (1.5 ml.) was stirred and refluxed for 4 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with brine and extracted with benzene 3 times. The combined benzene layers were washed with brine and then dried. Filtration and solvent removal afforded crude product (92.6 mg.) as a solid. Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave pure d-(+)-l9-norandrost-4-en-3,l7-dione (57.0 mg.) as a colorless needles, m.p. 169172c.; mixed m.p. with an authentic sample l69l7lC.; [a] +139.l5 C=l.0492 in chloroform);

ir: v 1740 (cyclopentanone C=O), 1665 (enone C=O), 1620 (C=C) cm uv: X 240 m,u(e17720).

EXAMPLE 49 A solution of 0.5 g. (1.845 moles) of the dienol ether from Example 5 in 15 ml. of dry ether and 7 ml. of dry tetrahydrofuran was stirred with cooling at 0 while 12.5 ml. (4.61 mole equivalent) of 0.369 M ethereal methylmagnesium chloride was added dropwise over 5 minutes. The resulting slurry was stirred at 0 for 1.5 hours, then treated with 5 ml. of saturated ammonium chloride, diluted with brine and extracted three times with ether. The ether extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure giving 0.58 g. of oily 3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6aB,- 7a-dimethyl-1 ,2,3 ,5 ,6,6a,7 ,8-octahydrocyclopenta[f] [l benzopyran-7B-ol.

ir: v 3450 (OH), 2250 (C i N), 1750 (tracestarting cyclopentanone), 1645 (dienolether) cm. TLC analysis showed a new major spot of slower R, than the starting material as well as a trace of starting material.

The above compound may be converted to 1701- methyl-l9-nortestosterone, by proceeding in a manner similar to that described in Examples 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15 and 17 via the intermediates 6a,9a-trans-3-(3-cyanopropyl)-6a,8,7a-dimethyll,2,3,5,6,6a,7,8,- 9,9a-decahydrocyclopenta[f] [l]benzopyran-7B-ol, 6a,- 9a-trans-3- (3-cyanopropyl )-6aB,7a-dimethyl perhydrocyclopenta[f] [l benzopyran-4a,7B-diol, 3a,7a-trans-4-( 3-oxo-6- cyano-1-hexyl)- 

1. THE COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein m is 1, R1 is methyl or ethyl and R15'' and R15'''' taken together are ethylene.
 3. The compound of claim 2 where the absolute configuration at carbon atom 3a is S and the relative configuration between carbon atoms 3a,9b,9a,5a and 6 is trans-anti-trans-anti-respectively.
 4. The compound of claim 2 which is trans-anti-trans-anti-3,3,7, 7-bis(ethylenedioxy)-3a-methyl-6-(2-cyanoethyl)perhydro-1H-benz(e)indene.
 5. The compound of claim 2 which is trans-anti-trans-anti-3,3,7, 7-bis(ethylenedioxy)-3a-ethyl-6-(2-cyanoethyl)perhydro-1H-benz(e)indene. 